Bell mirror - Reikyo

These imitation mirrors with bells around the edge are unique to Japan and were made in the 5th century during the Kofun period. The number of bells varies from 10 to 4, but there are no 9-bell types, only 6. Five-bell and six-bell mirrors are common. Judging from the image on the back, they are likely made in the same area as regular imitation mirrors without bells, probably the Kinki region, but most of the excavated items are from the eastern part of Japan. This is probably because by the time bell mirrors were made, the custom of burying mirrors in tombs had gradually declined outside the eastern part of Japan. As can be seen from the so-called Mikohaniwa clay figurines of shrine maidens with bell mirrors attached to their waists, mirrors from this period were typical examples of being used as magical items.

[Tanaka Taku]

Source: Shogakukan Encyclopedia Nipponica About Encyclopedia Nipponica Information | Legend

周縁に鈴がついた仿製(ぼうせい)鏡で、古墳時代、5世紀に製作された日本特有の鏡。鈴数は10鈴から4鈴まであるが、9鈴はなく6種類。五鈴鏡と六鈴鏡が多い。裏面の図像文様からすると、鈴をもたない通常の仿製鏡と同一地域、おそらく近畿地方の製品とみてよいが、出土品は東国に多い。鈴鏡の製作された時期になると、鏡を墳墓に副葬する習俗が東国以外ではしだいに衰退していったことによるのであろう。腰に鈴鏡をつけた、いわゆる巫女埴輪(みこはにわ)にうかがえるように、この時代の鏡が呪具(じゅぐ)であったことを示す典型といえよう。

［田中　琢］

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